New fuel standards soon
By RACHNA LAL
Government is now looking at amending fuel standards in the country.
The Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade, Shaheen Ali, said: “Government sees an urgent need to further improve the fuel quality and encourage better standards of vehicles on Fijian roads.”
In this regard, a fuel sub-committee would meet on Monday July 30, 2012 to further discuss the proposal the pro
posal to amend fuel standards.
The sub-committee comprises of representatives from the fuel importers, consumers, Fiji Motor Traders Association, Fiji Bus Operators Association, Department of Energy, Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority and other relevant stakeholders.
Mr Ali said Fiji at the moment, they could not import vehicles with latest technology.
This, he said was because the fuel brought into the country had sulphur content considered to be higher than the required levels for new-age vehicles.
“Cleaner fuel will lead to longer engine life of vehicles and a reduction in maintenance cost,” he said.
“It will also enable the importation of vehicles that are modelled on better technology, have improved fuel efficiency, higher engine power and less emissions.
“High sulphur levels in fuel lead to emission of high level of sulphur dioxide from vehicle exhaust, which has an adverse effect the environment and human health.
“Fuel standards is a prime example of the Fijian Government’s policy to improve and maintain our environment.”
The Ministry of Industry and Trade in 2007 established the Trade Standards (Fuel Standards) Order with the prime objective to improve the quality of fuel by reducing the high level of sulphur content.
These Standards came into effect in 2009 with the endorsement by the Minister for Industry and Trade.
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